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FROM   THE   LIBRARY  OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE    LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/rellyricsoOOdury 


RELIGIOUS     LYRICS 


AND   OCCASIONAL    VERSES 


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V 


RELIGIOUS    L 


1933 


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AND 


OCCASIONAL  VERSES 


BY      „ 


WM.  RANKIN  DURYEE,  D.D. 


NEW  YORK 

ANSON  D.  F.   RANDOLPH  &   CO., 
38  West  Twenty-Third  Street 

1887 


Copyright,  1887, 
Wm.  Rankin  Duryee. 


John  Wilson  and  Son,  Cambridge. 


PREFACE. 


The  religious  verses  here  printed  have  already 
appeared  in  various  "poets'  corners,"  —  some  over 
my  own  name,  and  some  over  the  pseudonym  of 
George  Sharpe,  as  in  the  case  of  the  "Via  Dolorosa." 
"The  Kingdom  of  Home"  was  a  prize  song  on  home, 
and  may  be  found  in  various  collections.  All  of 
merit  these  verses  contain  they  owe  to  a  father, 
mother,  and  wife,  whose  earthly  love  fostered  and 
sustained  the  love  supreme.  God  has  taken  them 
now  to  the  higher  home,  and  all  that  is  left  to  me  is 
to  dedicate  to  their  dear  memory  this  little  book. 

June,  1887. 


viii  CONTENTS, 

Page 

Magdalena 41 

At  the  Throne 43 

The  Nation's  Jubilee,  A.  D.  1865 45 

Thanksgiving  Hymn 48 

Versions  of  three  Hebrew  Psalms, — 

I.    The  Happy  Man 50 

II.    Messiah's  Throne 51 

Messiah's  Throne  (Second  Version)     .  53 

iii.    ecclesia  vlncta,  sed  invicta   ...  54 

The  Nobler  Home 56 

The  Blessed  Dead 58 

Dedication  Hymn 60 

OCCASIONAL    VERSES. 

The  Kingdom  of  Home 65 

The  Wizard  of  Scotland 67 

Au  Revoir 72 

Baby  Sue 74 

To  my  Mother 76 


RELIGIOUS    LYRICS. 


RELIGIOUS    LYRICS. 


THE    ALPHA    AND    OMEGA. 

The  seaman  on  a  stormy  main 
Traces  upon  the  chart  his  way, 
And  for  the  port  he  longs  to  gain 
His  course  prepares  each  day. 

O  life  of  Jesus  !  be  to  me 
A  chart  engraven  on  the  soul, 
Guiding  through  doubt  and  mystery 
To  manhood's  noblest  goal. 

And  every  wind  the  seaman  hails 
Which  speeds  him  swifter  on  the  course, 
The  helm  he  moves,  he  bends  the  sails 
To  catch  its  utmost  force. 


12 


RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 


O  Love  of  Jesus  !  in  me  burn, 
That  answering  love  within  my  breast 
May  duty,  pleasure,  sorrow  turn 
To  speed  me  toward  Thy  rest. 


BROTHERHOOD. 

I  love  the  Church,  God's  chosen  home, 

All-glorious  in  His  sight, 
Firm  on  the  Christ,  the  corner-stone, 

And  radiant  with  His  light. 
Oh  !  never  from  this  soul  of  mine 

May  fade  this  holy  love 
Till  from  the  Church  below  I  rise 

To  greet  the  Church  above. 

I  love  the  Church  which  holds  the  faith 

A  Saviour's  lips  bestowed, 
When  through  the  three  and  thirty  years 

Those  lips  with  grace  o'erflowed,  — 
Which  finds  in  Him  her  only  Priest 

The  sacrifice  to  bring, 
And,  bowed  in  meek  humility, 

Reveres  Him  as  her  King. 


14  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

Apollos,  Cephas,  Paul !  not  theirs 

The  name  she  joys  to  own, 
But  deeper  in  the  soul  engraved 

The  name  of  Christ  alone. 
And  he  who  bears  it,  far  or  near, 

Is  brother  still  of  mine, 
With  me  to  feast  on  heavenly  bread 

And  drink  the  holy  wine. 

What  care  I,  if  by  differing  names 

Christ's  chosen  are  enrolled  ? 
One  Israel  still  through  all  the  tribes, 

One  flock  in  many  a  fold. 
Beneath  their  feet  one  way  extends 

To  shining  realms  above, 
Before  their  ranks  one  ensign  gleams 

With  blazonry  of  love. 

And  sadly  in  these  battle-days 

Some  bitter  voice  I  hear 
Which  fain  would  force  from  out  the  line 

A  soul  to  Jesus  dear. 
"  He  folio weth  not  with  us  ;  "  "  His  name 

From  brotherhood  we  blot.,, 


BROTHERHOOD.  15 

Still  turns  the  Christ,  with  eyes  aflame, 
"Beware  !  rebuke  him  not." 

Oh  !  if  below  with  blinded  minds 

The  Word  of  love  we  read, 
Like  sullen  children  if  we  clash 

On  rite  and  form  and  creed,  — 
When  at  the  dear  Lord's  feet  we  fall 

To  find  His  smile  our  bliss, 
How  soon  the  earthly  strife  shall  fade, 

Lost  in  a  love  like  His  ! 

There,  Luther's  songs  more  ardent  rise, 

There,  Knox  of  fearless  mien, 
There,  Calvin  of  the  sunlit  soul, 

Move  in  a  peace  serene. 
There,  Leighton  of  the  holy  life, 

And  Bunyan,  pilgrim  tried, 
With  Baxter  find  the  perfect  rest 

Amid  the  glorified. 

Then  grant  to  me  e'en  now,  O  Lord  ! 

The  brother's  heart  and  hand, 
Beside  Thy  feast  to  welcome  Thine, 

Before  Thy  cross  to  stand, 


i6 


RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 


Till  Love  shall  rise  as  in  the  skies, 
And  in  its  burning  glow 

Thy  Church  in  unity  display, — 
A  heaven  begun  below. 


THE   RESTORER'S  ADVENT. 

The  haggard  earth  gropes  on  in  sin, 

It  learns  but  how  to  weep ; 
Each  pleasure  carries  deep  within 

The  pain  to  banish  sleep. 
Its  gilded  loads  crush  down  the  soul 

As  faster  speeds  the  day, 
While  robed  beneath  night's  sable  cowl 

Wait  Terror  and  Dismay. 
But  hark  !  in  midnight  moments  still 
A  song  floats  o'er  the  eastern  hill : 

The  Christ !  the  Christ,  is  come  ! 

Strange  song  to  thrill  the  weary  soul ! 

Whence  may  its  music  come  ? 
It  is  not  blent  with  ocean's  roll, 

Nor  with  the  city's  hum  ; 
But  from  the  stars  which  heaven  gem, 

Lo  !  radiant  angels  bring 


1 8  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

To  shepherds  poor  of  Bethlehem 

The  song  a  world  shall  sing. 
There  first  sounds  forth  the  joyous  strain 
Which  heavenly  hosts  might  not  retain  : 

The  Christ,  the  Christ  is  come  ! 

"  O  sin-cursed  earth  !  we  bring  the  word 

Your  sinking  heart  to  stay ; 
A  Saviour,  who  is  Christ  the  Lord, 

Is  born  for  you  to-day. 
For  sinful  earth  He  stoops  to  bear 

Away  the  guilt  and  shame  ; 
For  you  He  condescends  to  wear 

A  human  heart  and  name. 
Go,  shepherds,  view  the  glorious  birth, 
And  spread  the  news  through  saddened  earth, 

The  Christ,  the  Christ  is  come  ! 


"  His  palace  ?    View  the  manger's  side. 

Friends  ?    Toiling  men  are  near. 
No  pomp  and  retinue  of  pride, 

No  judgment  frowns  appear ; 
A  blessed  Babe,  whose  loving  smile 

Turns  swift  where  love  is  shown, 


THE  RESTORER'S  ADVENT.  19 

No  kneeling  soul  too  mean  or  vile 

To  make  that  smile  its  own." 
So  sounds  above  the  shepherd  throng/ 
So  distant  dies  the  angels'  song  ; 

The  Christ,  the  Christ  is  come  ! 

Then  Faith  beholds  the  ladder  near 

Which  charmed  the  dreamer's  sight ; 
Then  Peace,  with  balm  for  mortal  fear, 

Stands  plumed  for  world-wide  flight ; 
Then  Hope  flings  wide  the  Eden  gates 

Where  sword  of  cherub  gleamed, 
While  Love  divine  the  entrance  waits 

Of  joyous  souls  redeemed. 
Night  breaks  as  beams  in  eastern  sky 
The  glorious  Dayspring  from  on  high, 

And  Christ,  the  Christ  is  come  ! 


THE   PEACE-GIVER. 

'T  was  night,  and  on  a  stormy  sea 

A  toiling,  weary  crew 
Heard  from  the  hills  of  Galilee 

The  blasts  rush  down  anew. 
Weaker  each  arm  that  strove  to  save, 

Each  heart  more  faint  with  fear ; 
When  lo  !  across  the  crested  wave 

A  stately  Form  draws  near. 


Human,  and  yet  He  walks  the  deep 

Unharmed  where  others  die  ! 
Strange  terrors  through  the  seamen  creep, 

And  quiver  in  their  cry. 
He  turns  ;  afar  those  terrors  flee 

As  dawn  dispels  each  shade, 
For  Jesus  calls  across  the  sea  : 

"  T  is  I ;  be  not  afraid  ! " 


THE  PEACE-GIVER,  2 1 

So  when  my  weak  and  struggling  soul, 

By  storms  of  trouble  tossed, 
Hears  from  afar  new  surges  roll, 

And  deems  that  all  is  lost,  — 
Again  One  comes  to  still  despair 

And  check  each  hopeless  cry  : 
"  The  sceptre  of  the  sea  I  bear,  — 

Be  not  afraid ;  't  is  I !  " 


BETHANY. 

There  is  a  little  village 

On  sunny  Olivet, 
Where  many  saddened  hearts  have  turned, 

And  eyes  with  weeping  wet ; 
For,  through  the  veil  of  flowing  tears, 

There  may  the  mourner  see 
A  Saviour  bowed  by  human  grief 

In  stricken  Bethany. 

Nor  hidden  deep  the  reason 

Those  tears  divine  should  fall, 
When  hearts  bereaved  by  ruthless  Death 

Against  the  tyrant  call. 
That  quivering  frame,  those  weeping  eyes 

Show  what  the  heart  must  be 
Of  Jesus  who  with  mourners  wept 

In  darkened  Bethany. 

So  when  the  storm  of  anguish 
Sweeps  on  the  soul  again, 


BETHANY.  23 

When  Love's  refreshing  springs  of  joy 
Give  forth  strange  draughts  of  pain,  — 

O  Master  !  all  our  broken  hopes 
And  hearts  we  bring  to  Thee, 

Believing  surely  "  Jesus  wept  " 
Our  tears  in  Bethany. 

Speak  to  us  then,  O  Saviour  ! 

The  peace  earth  cannot  give ; 
Teach  us  anew  that  Death  has  past 

For  all  that  in  Thee  live. 
And  through  the  veil  Thy  hand  has  rent, 

May  Faith,  enraptured,  see 
A  nobler  life  restored  than  that 

Which  gladdened  Bethany. 

O  village  on  the  hillside, 

Thy  memory  how  dear  ! 
The  voice  of  love  the  sisters  heard, 

How  sweet  to  Sorrow's  ear ! 
From  thee  we  gain  what  none  have  found, 

By  quest  on  land  or  sea,  — 
The  balm  which  soothes  the  broken  heart 

In  peaceful  Bethany. 


VIA   DOLOROSA. 

While  I  pace  the  narrow  street 
Trodden  once  by  weary  feet, 
Where  Immanuel  bore  the  cross, 
Where  my  gain  became  His  loss,  — 
Teach  me,  Saviour,  there  to  be 
Truer  follower  of  Thee. 

From  these  gloomy  walls  of  stone 
Hear  I  yet  the  suffering  groan, 
Echoes  still  the  taunting  jeer, 
Laugh  of  scorn  to  find  Thee  here. 
Blinded  hearts  and  darkened  eyes, 
Could  ye  so  your  Lord  despise  ? 

Not  for  Thee  that  cross  was  borne, 
Not  for  sin  of  Thine  the  scorn  ; 
All  that  on  Thy  head  was  laid 
From  the  hour  that  hate  betrayed 
Till  they  nailed  Thee  to  the  tree, 
Thou  alone  did'st  bear  for  me  ! 


VIA  DOLOROSA.  25 

'T  was  for  me  that  brow  was  torn 
By  the  cruel  crown  of  thorn  ; 
'T  was  for  me  those  nails  were  driven ; 
*T  was  for  me  that  side  was  riven  : 
All  Thy  wounds  but  wounds  of  love, 
All,  a  grace  divine  to  prove  ! 

Who  within  this  darkened  way 
Would  not,  Saviour,  long  to  stay,  — 
Finding  every  heartstring  move 
Thrilling  to  the  touch  of  love ; 
Borne  upon  a  mighty  tide 
Closer,  closer  to  Thy  side  ? 

Pacing  still  the  narrow  street 
Trodden  once  by  weary  feet, 
Looking  forward  to  the  crown 
When  I  lay  my  burden  down, 
By  Thy  grace,  oh,  may  I  be 
Truer  follower  of  Thee  ! 


EXPERIENCE. 


I  deemed,  O  Sorrow  !  I  could  trace 
Thy  features,  and  their  meaning  know, 
As  oft  I  scanned  thy  veiled  face 
Through  tears  that  fell  for  human  woe. 

How  vain  the  thought !     When  thou  didst  stand 
Within  my  own  love-guarded  door, 
And  for  my  treasure  reach  thy  hand, 
I  saw  a  face  unknown  before,  — 

An  awful  face  that  bowed  my  will 
In  all  the  weakness  of  despair, 
While  sounded  low,  distinct,  and  chill, 
A  voice  that  seemed  to  banish  prayer. 

A  darkness  quenched  the  noontide  day ; 
From  all  the  world  the  glory  fled ; 
The  firelight  fell  in  ashes  gray ; 
The  withered  flowers  of  love  lay  dead. 


EXPERIENCE.  2  7 

No  more  I  measure  other  tears, 
Nor  deem  thy  path,  O  Sorrow  !  known ; 
Alone  thou  walkest  through  the  years, 
Thy  veil  is  raised  to  each  alone. 

But  One  thy  utmost  power  has  met, 
And  from  thy  bitterness  can  free,  — 
The  Soul  that  bowed  on  Olivet, 
And  bore  our  griefs  on  Calvary. 


CALVARY. 

Stay,  my  soul,  with  conflict  weary, 

By  thy  sins  so  hardly  pressed, 
Dark  life's  bitter  way  and  dreary, 

Here  on  Calvary's  summit  rest ! 
On  that  central  cross  extending, 

Lo  !  the  Lord  of  Glory  hangs  ; 
From  His  lips  the  cry  ascending 

Tells  of  more  than  mortal  pangs. 

Yes,  't  is  He  to  whom  in  glory 

Thousand  angels  bent  the  knee ; 
Now  His  sorrows  tell  the  story 

Of  a  love  divine  for  thee. 
Thine  the  guilt  that  makes  Him  languish, 

Thine  the  sin  that  bows  His  head ; 
Only  by  Emmanuel's  anguish 

See  the  sinner's  ransom  paid. 


CALVARY.  29 

Why,  then,  by  thy  foes  affrighted, 

In  thy  weakness  overborne  ? 
Here  the  way  to  heaven  is  lighted, 

Here  thy  chains  asunder  torn. 
When  the  storms  of  Justice,  flying, 

Overwhelm  the  sinner's  head, 
Sheltered  mayst  thou  stand,  relying 

On  the  cross  where  Jesus  bled. 

Turn  again,  O  soul !  in  gladness, 

Grateful  love  thy  life  sustains ; 
Cast  behind  thee  all  thy  sadness, 

Sorrows  now  are  changed  to  gains. 
Sin  and  Satan  flee  before  thee, 

Death,  disarmed,  can  bring  no  loss, 
With  the  pierced  Hands  stretched  o'er  thee 

As  thou  kneelest  at  the  cross. 


RESIGNATION. 

Within  the  darkness,  where  no  light  has  come, 
Save  where  too-distant  stars  unwearied  shine, 
My  heart  cries  out,  though  quivering  lips  are  dumb  : 
"Thy  will,  O  Lord,  be  mine  !  " 

Though  dear  ones  leave  me  and  the  home  is  rent, 

Than  which  no  earthly  home  had  been  more  blest, 
A  Power  supremely  good  has  sorrow  sent, 
And  on  that  heart  I  rest. 

For  I  do  know,  —  not  think,  but  surely  know,  — 

From  thousand  tokens  in  this  earthly  frame, 
Whate'er  the  blessing  or  whate'er  the  blow, 
Love  is  its  Sovereign's  name. 

Accurst  of  earth  and  heaven  the  bigot's  dream 

That  He  who  gave  the  life  and  formed  the  heart, 
Frowns  on  our  love,  however  sweet  it  seem, 
And  forces  souls  apart ! 


RESIGN  A  TION.  3 1 

Far  sooner  let  me  follow  fools  who  swear 

Man  sits  the  monarch  on  a  despot's  throne,  — 
No  rule  above  whose  curse  he  may  not  dare, 
No  will  beyond  his  own. 

Forgive  the  blasphemy,  O  gracious  Lord  ! 

Temptations  strong  assail  me  in  my  need ; 
Thou  hast  not  Thine  own  blessed  gift  abhorred, 
Nor  taught  the  woful  creed. 

For  Love  that  claims  Thy  blessing  is  Thine  own ; 
From  Thee  it  sprang,  alone  in  Thee  can  grow ; 
With  everlasting  arms  around  it  thrown, 
Death  it  can  never  know. 

Life  parts  the  loving  not  the  less  than  Death : 

Death  not  the  less  than  Life  must  own  Thy  power ; 
For  saints  above,  as  on  the  earth  beneath, 
Gleams  bright  Love's  trysting  hour. 

Love  is  but  drawn  from  earth  to  heaven  and  Thee, 

Thou  Sun  amid  the  stars  of  lesser  beam ; 
Thy  love  with  ours  combined  eternally 
In  glory  how  supreme  ! 


32  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

So  here  on  earth  Thou  once  didst  leave  Thine  own, 

Though  one  was  leaning  closely  on  Thy  breast, 
A  little  while  to  wait  in  lands  unknown 
Till  they  should  gain  Thy  rest. 

Thy  will  be  mine,  O  Lord  !  each  parting  make 

The  hour  of  deeper  longing  for  Thy  light ; 
So,  gathering  store  for  coming  joy,  I  take 
My  song  up  in  the  night. 


DOUBT. 

Dense  falls  the  fog-bank  on  the  bay, 
It  veils  each  landmark  of  the  hill ; 

The  drifting  sailors  grope  their  way 
With  dismal  bell  and  whistle  shrill. 

On  rustic  roads  its  darkness  falls, 

Through  which  the  ghostly  shadows  roam ; 
Men  shudder  at  the  churchyard  walls, 

And  long  to  catch  the  sounds  of  home. 

But  lo  !  the  trees  begin  to  creak. 

Blow  swift  and  strong,  ye  winds  of  day  ! 
One  blast  from  you,  and  fog  and  reek 

Have  fled,  like  fevered  dreams,  away. 
...... 

On  realms  of  thought  a  darkness  sweeps  : 
Men  turn  to  monsters  in  its  gloom ; 

At  hopeless  graves  the  mourner  weeps, 
Or  quakes  at  spectres  from  the  tomb. 

3 


34 


RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

No  path  below,  no  heaven  above 
With  sunny  truth  to  light  the  air ; 

Here  sounds  the  dismal  sneer  at  love, 
Here  answer  wailings  of  despair. 

Whence  come  we  ?     Whither  do  we  go  ? 

What  fetters  these  that  bind  us  round  ? 
Must  Wisdom's  end  be  not  to  know, 

And  Life  be  quenched  in  graveyard  ground  ? 

From  heights  above  there  comes  the  thrill. 

O  breath  of  God  !  from  out  that  height 
Blow  fresh  and  strong  upon  the  chill 

And  darkness  of  this  earth-born  night ! 

One  rushing  blast  renews  the  soul, 

And  fear  and  terror  melt  away ; 
Faith  sees  beyond  the  grave  its  goal, 

Love  soars  in  song  upon  the  way. 


SORROW. 

We  mourn  not  those  who  drink  Life's  genial  wine, 
And  while  their  pulses  feel  the  warmest  thrill 

Lay  down  the  goblet  at  a  call  divine 

For  richer  feasts  which  nobler  longings  fill. 

Nor  tears  for  those  who,  like  the  guarded  flowers 
When  deepest  hued,  are  from  companions  torn, 

As  walks  the  Master  in  His  loving  hours 

Seeking  the  rare  which  may  His  home  adorn. 

We  weep  not  when  with  sudden  wrench  the  gem 
Is  from  unseemly  setting  forced  apart, 

To  sparkle  on  a  monarch's  diadem, 

Or  flash  its  rays  on  Love's  delighted  heart. 

But  constant  tears  for  those  who  here  must  quaff 
Life's  bitter  dregs,  or,  fading  long,  must  stay 

To  meet  the  Winter,  while  with  scornful  laugh 
A  mocking  world  sweeps  by  upon  the  way. 


^6  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

Not  thee  we  mourn,  O  friend  !  as  fall  our  tears, 
Thine  is  the  rest,  the  glory,  and  the  gain ; 

We  grieve  that  we,  more  lonely,  walk  the  years 
And  weaker  turn  to  earthly  toil  and  pain. 

But  brighter  are  the  skies  since  thou  art  there, 
Warmer  the  welcome  after  parting  tears ; 

The  farewell  that  we  breathe  uplifts  the  prayer 
That  soon  may  dawn  for  us  God's  golden  years. 


EASTER. 

O  Earth,  cold  Earth  !  to  life  arise, 
The  birds  are  singing  round  thee  ; 

Chill  Winter  in  the  distance  flies, 

And  on  thy  surface,  broken,  lies 
His  icy  band  that  bound  thee  : 

Uprise,  in  blooming  beauty  drest, 

As  Power  and  Love  have  crowned  thee. 

O  World  !  accurst  by  sin  and  shame, 
Let  light  dispel  thy  madness  ; 

Life  comes  to  renovate  thy  frame, 

To  bum  thy  dross  by  blasting  flame,  — 
Arouse  thee  from  thy  sadness. 

A  Conqueror  stands,  with  kingly  touch, 
To  change  thy  grief  to  gladness. 

O  Soul !  unfettered  at  the  cross, 

Yet  in  thy  weakness  lying, 
Arise  !  put  off  all  fear  of  loss  ; 


38 


RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 


To  thee,  earth's  battlefield  across, 

A  voice  divine  is  crying : 
"  Gird  on  My  strength  ;  thy  life  I  hold, 

To  give  thee  songs  for  sighing." 

For  lo  !  the  portals  of  the  tomb  — 

Unsealed  in  earthly  story, 
Where  hearts  have  sunk  in  hopeless  gloom 
As  friends  have  bowed  to  meet  its  doom 

Through  all  the  ages  hoary  — 
Roll  back  for  Manhood's  highest  heir, 

The  Lord  of  life  and  glory. 


He  stands  in  life  no  more  to  die, 
Death's  strongest  fetters  riven  \ 

Ring  out,  ye  bells,  the  triumph  high 

In  peals  that  sound  to  earth  and  sky, 
The  joy  of  souls  forgiven  ! 

Above  the  grave  a  new  name  gleams, 
The  Bethel-gate  of  heaven. 


THE  VICTORY. 

Christ  has  conquered  !    Hear  the  shout 
From  the  highest  heaven  ringing ; 

Angel  voices  send  it  out, 

Loud  the  song  of  triumph  singing. 

Hell's  dark  host  is  vanquished  now : 

Place  the  crown  on  Jesu's  brow  ! 

Christ  has  conquered  !     Lost,  O  Grave  ! 

Is  thy  hold  upon  the  mortal, 
Fled  the  fear  thy  presence  gave ; 

Thou  for  life  art  made  the  portal. 
By  thy  side  the  Christian  sings, 
"Crown  the  Saviour  King  of  kings." 

Christ  has  conquered  !     Death's  cold  hand 
Never  more  the  sceptre  wielding, 

May  a  world  enslaved  command  ; 
Low  he  bends,  that  sceptre  yielding. 

King  of  Terrors,  vanquished  thou  ! 

Place  the  crown  on  Jesu's  brow. 


40 


RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 


Christ  has  conquered  !     Visions  bright, 
O'er  the  Christian's  conflict  shining, 

Bring  to  vales  of  darkness  light, 
Give  each  cloud  its  silver  lining. 

Hark  !  from  closing  lips  it  rings, 

"  Crown  my  Saviour  King  of  kings  !  " 


MAGDALENA. 

"  Pone  luctum,  Magdalena  !  n  —  Lathi  Easter  Hymn, 

Magdalena,  cease  thy  grieving, 
Cheerful  turn  thee  from  thy  fears ; 
Simon's  feast  no  longer  giving 
Place  for  thy  repentant  tears  ! 
Voices  call  to  gratulation, 
Voices  call  to  exultation  ! 

Hallelujah  sound  afar  ! 

Magdalena,  with  new  smiling 
Let  thy  lovely  forehead  glow  \ 
Where  Sin  set  its  hand  defiling, 
Let  the  sparkling  sunbeams  flow. 
Has  not  now  the  Christ  arisen, 
Triumphing  o'er  Death's  cold  prison  ? 
Hallelujah  sound  afar  ! 

Magdalena,  sing  thy  gladness  ! 
Christ  has  risen  from  the  tomb, 


42  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

Finished  all  the  scene  of  sadness, 
Victor  He  o'er  Death  and  gloom : 
Whom  in  Death  thou  once  wast  mourning, 
Welcome  now  in  life  returning  ! 

Hallelujah  sound  afar  ! 

Magdalena,  sight  amazing  ! 
Lo  !  in  life  thy  Lord  appears. 
Sweet  the  smile  He  gives  thee,  gazing, 
View  the  wounds  His  body  bears,  — 
Pearls  that  shine  with  rays  of  morning 
For  the  nobler  life's  adorning  ! 

Hallelujah  sound  afar  ! 

Magdalena,  droop  no  longer ; 

See  thy  Sun  the  darkness  part, 

Than  Death's  mightiest  power  stronger  ! 

Let  rejoicing  swell  thy  heart : 

Grief  and  sadness  far  are  driven, 

Love  and  joy  forever  given  ! 

Hallelujah  sound  afar  ! 


AT   THE   THRONE. 

King  of  glory,  crowned  for  me, 
Let  me  find  my  strength  in  Thee ; 
Let  the  sceptre  and  the  throne 
Thou  dost  hold  to  save  Thine  own, 
Shield  me  in  each  trying  hour, 
Guard  me  from  temptation's  power 

Cleansed  from  guilt,  yet  sinful,  I 
Send  to  Thee  my  feeble  cry  ! 
Strength  of  earth  can  never  bear 
That  dear  cross  I  fain  would  share ; 
In  Life's  dark  and  dreary  way 
Thou  alone  must  be  my  stay. 

Naught  but  need  is  in  my  call ; 
Simply  at  Thy  feet  I  fall : 
Sick,  I  seek  eternal  health ; 
Poor,  I  pray  for  lasting  wealth ; 
Blind,  I  cry  to  Thee  for  light,  — 
Jesus,  Master,  give  me  sight ! 


44 


RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 


While  around  me  press  my  foes, 
While  no  truce  the  battle  knows, 
When  the  valley  dark  appalls, 
Where  the  King  of  Terror  calls, 
King  of  Glory,  crowned  for  me, 
Let  me  find  my  strength  in  Thee  ! 


THE   NATION'S  JUBILEE. 

A.D.  1865. 

Peace,  peace  !  A  grateful  nation  sings 

Her  song  of  songs  to-day  ; 

To  Thee,  O  Lord  !  the  praise  she  brings, 

To  Thee  she  kneels  to  pray. 

God  is  our  Refuge,  still  the  same  ! 

He  maketh  wars  to  cease. 

Exalt  Jehovah,  praise  His  name 

Who  grants  the  people  peace  ! 

Peace,  peace  !  the  joyous  anthems  rise 

On  peals  of  music  sweet, 

Like  smoke  of  ancient  sacrifice 

Before  the  mercy-seat. 

From  bowered  hamlets  fresh  and  fair, 

From  toiling  cities  grim, 

To  heaven  listening  angels  bear 

A  land's  thanksgiving  hymn. 


46  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

O  God  !  we  thank  Thee  that  the  crown 

On  Freedom's  holy  brow 

From  sea  to  sea  shines  radiant  down, 

Undimmed  in  lustre  now. 

Where  once  the  darkness  seemed  to  lie, 

We  trace  Thy  wondrous  plan, 

That  taught  us  never  to  deny 

The  brotherhood  of  man. 

We  praise  Thee  from  the  harvest-field, 

Where  bent  the  golden  grain, 

For  every  blessing  Thou  didst  yield 

To  toiling  hand  and  brain. 

Each  needful  store  of  hard-won  gold 

Thy  goodness  gave,  alone  ; 

Oh,  teach  us  never  to  withhold 

From  Thee,  our  God,  Thine  own  ! 


We  bless  Thee  for  the  earthly  love 

Which  cheers  our  onward  way, 

As,  gathered  from  the  paths  they  rove, 

The  dear  ones  meet  to-day. 

And  mingling  round  the  festal  board, 

With  home-joy  in  the  heart, 


THE  NATION'S  JUBILEE.  47 

To  Thine  own  poor  incline  us,  Lord, 
To  act  the  brother's  part. 

But  when,  beside  the  evening  hearth, 
The  saddened  memories  come 
Of  hands  which  never  more  on  earth 
Will  clasp  our  hands  at  home,  — 
For  happier  homes  beyond  the  sky, 
Beyond  these  changing  years, 
As  Faith  lifts  up  the  raptured  eye, 
We  praise  Thee,  midst  our  tears ! 

O  Prince  of  Peace  !  whose  cross  of  woe 

Our  noblest  peace  has  given, 

Whose  sceptre  rules  our  hearts  below, 

And  guides  our  steps  to  heaven, 

As  Thou  didst  lead  the  chosen  band 

Who  sought  of  old  this  shore, 

So  bless  with  peace  this  favored  land, 

One  nation  evermore. 


THANKSGIVING   HYMN. 

Lord  of  earth  and  worlds  above, 
Thou  whose  name  of  names  is  Love, 
Former  of  this  mortal  frame, 
Guardian  of  its  vital  flame, 
Bow  Thine  ear  as  we  would  raise 
Grateful  songs  of  thankful  praise  ! 

For  the  blood-bought  way  to  heaven, 
For  Thy  grace  so  freely  given, 
For  the  Spirit's  life  within, 
Cleansing  from  the  stain  of  sin,  — 
Hear  thy  ransomed  children  raise 
Grateful  songs  of  thankful  praise  ! 

For  the  months  with  mercies  bound, 
For  our  fields  with  harvests  crowned, 
For  the  glowing  flush  of  health, 
For  the  honest  store  of  wealth,  — 
Hear  Thy  toiling  children  raise 
Grateful  songs  of  thankful  praise  ! 


THANKSGIVING  HYMN. 

For  the  friends  we  still  retain, 
For  the  homes  which  yet  remain, 
For  each  loved  and  loving  pair, 
Centres  of  the  circle  there,  — 
Hear  Thy  happy  children  raise 
Grateful  songs  of  thankful  praise  ! 

For  Thy  blessings  in  disguise, 
Winning  us  from  earthly  ties, 
Pointing  to  Thy  home  of  rest 
Where  our  dear  ones  still  are  blest,  — 
Hear  us,  Father,  softly  raise 
Grateful  songs  of  thankful  praise  ! 

Naught  of  worth  in  us  we  own 
As  we  stand  before  Thy  throne ; 
Goodness  shines,  our  needs  above, 
From  the  Lord  whose  name  is  Love. 
May  that  constant  goodness  raise 
Lives  devoted  to  Thy  praise  ! 


49 


VERSIONS  OF  THREE   HEBREW   PSALMS. 

I.  THE   HAPPY   MAN. 

Thrice  blest  the  man  whose  feet  ne'er  press 
The  pathways  of  ungodliness  ; 
Who  stands  not  in  the  way  of  woe 
Where  bolder  sinners,  reckless,  go  ; 
Who  sits  not  where  the  hardened  hear 
The  mocker's  jest,  the  scorner's  sneer  ! 

As  blooms  the  tree  within  the  vale 

Whose  leaf  ne'er  fades,  whose  fruits  ne'er  fail ; 

While  constant  streams  the  gifts  bestow 

Of  life  and  beauty  as  they  flow,  — 

So  prospers  he  who,  day  and  night, 

Finds  in  Jehovah's  law  delight. 

But  like  the  chaff  whose  empty  form 
Is  driven  by  the  windy  storm 
From  off  the  beaten  threshing-floor. 
To  mingle  with  the  wheat  no  more,  — 


VERSIONS  OF    THREE  HEBREW  PSALMS.        51 

So  flee  the  wicked  from  the  path 
Where  sweeps  Jehovah's  gathered  wrath. 

They  fall  before  His  judgment-seat, 

No  more  with  righteous  souls  they  meet ; 

For  well  Jehovah  can  approve 

The  narrow  way  His  people  love,  — 

While  the  broad  road  the  wicked  share 

He  turns  to  darkness  and  despair. 

II.     MESSIAH'S   THRONE. 

Messiah's  throne  !  Messiah's  throne  ! 
A  subject- world  its  sway  shall  know, 
Though  kings  the  sceptre  may  disown, 
And  princes  plot  its  overthrow. 
Against  the  Lord  they  lift  their  hands, 
With  hateful  rage  their  strength  array  : 
"  Come,  let  us  break  Jehovah's  bands, 
And  fling  His  feeble  cords  away." 

Messiah's  throne  !  Messiah's  throne  ! 
Above  the  strength  against  it  hurled, 
He,  whom  the  calm,  broad  heavens  own, 
Laughs  all  to  scorn  a  rebel  world. 


52  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

His  eyes  its  inmost  counsels  see, 

His  voice,  deriding,  speaks  the  words  : 

u  My  King,  on  Zion  set,  shall  be 

The  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords." 

Messiah's  throne  !  Messiah's  throne  ! 
Who  reigns  thereon  speaks  God's  decree  : 
"  From  all  eternity,  My  Son, 
The  earth  Thy  heritage  shall  be. 
Thy  plea  shall  distant  heathen  bring 
To  own  Thee  as  the  Lord  of  all ; 
And  broken  like  a  worthless  thing 
Shall  every  foe  before  Thee  fall !  " 

Messiah's  throne  !  Messiah's  throne  ! 
Ye  strong  and  wise,  true  wisdom  learn, 
Jehovah-Jesus  serve  alone  ; 
With  fear  and  faith  to  Him  return. 
Bow,  ere  His  calls  of  mercy  close  j 
Bow,  ere  His  anger  blasts  in  flame  ! 
For  blest,  thrice  blest,  are  only  those 
Who  put  their  trust  in  His  great  name  ! 


VERSIONS  OF   THREE  HEBREW  PSALMS.        53 


II.     MESSIAH'S   THRONE. 

Second  Version. 

Why  are  the  heathen  raging 
Against  Messiah's  throne, 
Their  kings  and  lords  engaging 
That  sceptre  to  disown? 
On  high,  Jehovah,  scorning, 
Derides  their  hostile  will : 
"  My  King,  that  throne  adorning, 
Is  set  on  Zion's  hill." 

To  Jesus  speaks  the  Father : 
"  Thou  art  th'  eternal  Son ; 
Thy  royal  hands  shall  gather 
The  gift  Thy  prayer  hath  won. 
The  heathen's  strength  before  Thee 
Shall  dashed  in  pieces  be, 
And  Thou  shalt  reign  in  glory 
To  earth's  remotest  sea." 

Be  wise,  then,  men  of  power, 
To  Jesus  yield  to-day ; 


54  RELIGIOUS  LYRICS. 

Seek  peace  in  mercy's  hour, 
Ere  wrath  beset  your  way. 
Bow  while  His  love  is  pressing ; 
Fear,  lest  His  anger  flame ; 
For  blessing,  only  blessing, 
Crowns  those  who  trust  His  name. 

III.     ECCLESIA   VINCTA,  SED  INVICTA. 

Beside  thy  rivers,  Babylon,  thy  captives  sit  and  weep, 
Upon  the  drooping  willows  hang  the  harps  that  silent 

keep ; 
For  we  remember  Zion  low,  while  our  enslavers  throng 
To  bid  us  sing  in  mirthful  joy  our  once  beloved  song. 

Sing  in  the  land  of  strangers  far  Jehovah's  glowing  strain  ! 
Forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  while  distant  from  thy  pain  ? 
May  these  right  hands  forget  their  skill,  these  tongues 

forget  to  move, 
When  we  love  not  Jerusalem  beyond  our  highest  love  ! 

Remember,  God  of  Israel,  as  we  can  ne'er  forget, 
The  day  when  in  Jerusalem  rejoicing  foemen  met ! 
How  hateful  Edom's  clamor  rose,  Destroy,  destroy  it  all ; 
Till  palace,  home,  and  temple  fair  to  the  foundation  fall ! 


VERSIONS  OF   THREE  HEBREW  PSALMS.        55 

O  Babylon  !  above  thee  hangs  Destruction's  cloud  of 

gloom. 
Happy,  as  thou  hast  brought  to  us,  who  brings  to  thee 

thy  doom ; 
Happy  the  ruthless  hands  which  slay,  as  thou  didst  slay 

our  own, 
And  dash  thy  children,  as  our  babes,  against  the  savage 

stone  ! 


THE   NOBLER   HOME. 

Not  here,  'mid  scenes  however  dear, 

Find  I  my  lasting  home ; 
The  radiant  sun  holds  weariness  and  death, 
The  hot  plain  glows  my  toiling  feet  beneath, 
The  shadows  cool  stay  not  upon  the  path 

Where  day  by  day  I  roam. 

Not  here,  where  falls  the  frequent  tear, 

Find  I  my  lasting  home ; 
Where  trusting  hearts  are  oft  asunder  rent 
As  friendships  fail,  in  hopeless  striving  spent, 
Where  joys,  that  flash  from  far  a  bright  content, 

Vanish  like  billow  foam. 

Not  here,  beset  by  many  a  fear, 

Find  I  my  lasting  home  ; 
So  often  tempted  from  the  narrow  way, 
So  often  wandering  from  that  path  astray, 
So  oft  despairing,  on  some  gloomy  day, 

Lest  sunlight  never  come. 


THE  NOBLER  HOME.  57 

More  fair,  within  a  purer  air, 

My  lasting  home  I  find ; 
Promised  by  Lips  which  never  framed  deceit, 
Prepared  by  Power  which  never  knew  defeat, 
Glowing  with  Love  beyond  all  love  complete, 

Around  my  Lord  combined  ! 

O  Night !  pass  quickly  —  for  the  light 

Of  day  eternal  gleams  — 
From  His  dear  Face  which  human  pain  has  known, 
But  waiting  now  to  welcome  to  His  throne, 
From  saints  who  find  the  rest  supreme,  alone, 

Surpassing  all  our  dreams. 


THE   BLESSED   DEAD. 

They  have  passed  beyond  our  vision,  the  loved  and  lost 

of  earth, 
They  have  gained  the  high  fruitions  of  heaven's  second 

birth ; 
No  longing  turns  their  raptured  eyes  to  earth's  brief, 

fevered  day, 
For  Life  in  rarest  beauty  shines  untainted  by  decay. 

They  gaze  upon  their  Father  'mid  the  glories  of  His 

throne, 
They  are  changed  into  His  image,  and  know  as  they 

are  known ; 
While  His  wondrous  love  grows  grander  within  each 

pardoned  soul, 
As  tides  of  lower  oceans  fill  each  inlet  as  they  roll. 

They  are  gazing  on  their  Saviour  with  ever-new  delight,  — 
That  Face  desired  so  often  when  they  walked  by  faith, 
not  sight ; 


THE  BLESSED  DEAD. 


59 


They  see   the   Brow  once   crowned  with  thorns,  the 

wounds  for  sinners  made, 
They  hear  the  Voice  which  spake  in  storms  :  "  Tis  I,  be 

not  afraid  !  " 

Around  them  throng  the  loved  ones  who  before  them 

passed  to  light, 
Whose  graves  made  earth  the  lonelier,  and  dimmed  its 

glory  bright. 
Oh,   the   rapture   of  the   greeting  where   Death   can 

never  part ! 
Oh,  the  sweetness  of  reunion  of  loving  heart  to  heart ! 

They  run  to  holy  ministries  as  Jesus  leads  the  way, 
They  feel  no  toil  or  weariness,  no  sun  to  smite  by  day ; 
From  glory  unto  glory  brought,  they  pass  the  endless  years, 
While  God's  eternal  beauty  in  a  constant  youth  appears. 

Blest  spirits  of  the  glorified,  your  happiness  supreme 
Shines  far  beyond  the  measure  of  our  fancy's  wildest 

dream. 
Though  homes  of  earth  are  desolate,  we  cannot  crave 

return, 
But  to  share  your  full  redemption  our  hearts  within  us 

burn. 


DEDICATION   HYMN. 

Lord  of  the  worlds  below,  above, 
Whose  glories  shine  beyond  compare, 
To  Thee,  whose  Name  of  names  is  Love, 
We  consecrate  this  house  of  prayer. 

Saviour,  wThose  human  Feet  once  trod 
The  pathway  of  our  grief  and  shame, 
Thou  dear  Redeemer  !  Lamb  of  God  ! 
WTrite  on  our  work  Thy  blessed  Name. 

This  make  Thy  temple,  here  Thy  throne 
Establish  in  the  coming  days, 
As  seeking  hearts  Thy  presence  own 
And  kindle  as  they  speak  Thy  praise. 

And  as  the  genial  sun  and  shower 
Bring  fruitful  blessings  to  the  field, 
So,  Holy  Spirit,  come  with  power 
To  make  Thy  Word  the  harvest  yield. 


DEDICATION  HYMN.  6 1 

Our  Fathers'  God  !  Thy  praises  still 
Shall  from  these  holy  courts  ascend, 
Till  we  Thy  service  here  fulfil, 
And  rise  where  praises  never  end. 


OCCASIONAL    VERSES. 


OCCASIONAL    VERSES. 


THE   KINGDOM   OF   HOME. 

Dark  is  the  night,  and  fitful  and  drearily 
Rushes  the  wind  like  the  waves  of  the  sea ; 
Little  care  I  as  here  I  sing  cheerily, 
Wife  at  my  side  and  my  baby  on  knee  ! 

King,  King,  crown  me  the  King! 
Home  is  the  Kingdom,  and  Love  is  the  King. 

Flashes  the  firelight  upon  the  dear  faces, 
Dearer  and  dearer  as  onward  we  go, 
Forces  the  shadow  behind  us,  and  places 
Brightness  around  us  with  warmth  in  the  glow. 

King,  King,  crown  me  the  King  ! 
Home  is  the  Kingdom,  and  Love  is  the  King. 

Flashes  the  love-light,  increasing  the  glory, 
Beaming  from  bright  eyes  with  warmth  of  the  soul, 

5 


66 


OCCASIONAL    VERSES. 


Telling  of  trust  and  content  the  sweet  story, 
Lifting  the  shadows  that  over  us  roll. 

King,  King,  crown  me  the  King  ! 
Home  is  the  Kingdom,  and  Love  is  the  King. 


Richer  than  miser  with  perishing  treasure, 
Served  with  a  service  no  conquest  could  bring, 
Happy  with  fortune  that  words  cannot  measure, 
Light-hearted  I  on  the  hearthstone  can  sing : 

King,  King,  crown  me  the  King  ! 
Home  is  the  Kingdom,  and  Love  is  the  King. 


THE  WIZARD   OF   SCOTLAND. 

[Read  at  the  Sir  Walter  Scott  Centennial  Celebration,  Newark, 

New  Jersey.] 

Far  from  the  busy,  dusty  town 
The  summer  sun  shines  softly  down 
Upon  a  hillside,  where  the  breeze 
Frolics  amid  the  sportive  trees, 
The  brook  sings  merrily  along, 
While  birds  send  back  responsive  song. 
But  mark  the  stripling  in  the  shade, 
Whose  length  upon  the  sward  is  laid,  — 
With  hat  thrown  back,  with  jacket  torn, 
A  rustic  lad  in  life's  fair  morn. 
Hard  has  he  fared,  I  ween,  each  day 
Plodding  the  dull  and  rugged  way 
Which  toilers,  now  beneath  the  sod, 
For  generations  past  have  trod. 
But  now  the  birds  may  sing  in  vain, 
The  Present  holds  nor  joy  nor  pain. 


68  OCCASIONAL    VERSES.  " 

A  book  he  reads,  and  hour  by  hour 
His  spirit  feels  its  magic  power. 
Freed  from  the  bondage  of  to-day, 
Through  ages  past  it  wings  its  way. 
He  looks  on  men  and  cities  strange, 
On  court  and  camp  and  moated  grange ; 
And  joys  and  sorrows,  melts  and  burns, 
As  page  by  page  absorbing  turns. 


He  lifts  his  eyes  :  what  shadows  pass, 
Evoked  as  from  enchanter's  glass  ! 
The  roads,  the  hills,  the  valley  seem 
Changed  as  within  a  wondrous  dream. 
Lo  !  up  the  mountain  path  ascends 
A  Knight,  without  his  squire  or  friends, 
Lost  in  the  wild  wood  yesterday, 
Seeking  the  stag  to  bring  to  bay. 
And  now,  as  flashes  on  the  sight 
A  ruddy  watchfire's  sudden  light, 
Rings  out  the  challenge  loud  and  clear 
Of  an  upstarting  mountaineer,  — 
Ah  !  soon  he  knew  a  foeman  near. 
What  need  to  tell  the  boy  the  names 
Of  Roderick  Dhu  a?id  Janies  Fitz-James  ? 


THE    WIZARD  OF  SCOTLAND.  69 

He  turns ;  a  castle  grim  and  gray, 
Like  eagle  watching  for  its  prey, 
Gazes  with  restless,  sleepless  eye 
Through  casement  and  o'er  turret  high. 
Across  its  drawbridge  like  the  wind 
One  rides  as  Death  were  close  behind. 
He  wheels,  he  shakes  his  gauntlet  back 
At  foe  unseen  upon  his  track. 
The  rider?  who  but  Marmion  bold 
Daring  the  Douglas  i?i  his  hold. 

The  scenes  roll  on ;  and  now  he  sees 
An  Abbey  fair  'mid  circling  trees. 
Without,  behold  a  warrior  ride 
As  in  hot  haste  from  Borderside ; 
Within,  he  hears  a  chanted  song 
Rolling  the  pillared  aisles  along. 
The  moonlight  falls ;  its  softening  beam 
Silvers  the  walls,  the  trees,  the  stream, 
And  through  the  oriel  window  glows 
Where  sleep  the  great  in  fair  Melrose. 

Once  more  is  wrought  the  magic  change, 
And  by  its  transformation  strange 


70 


OCCASIONAL    VERSES.    * 


Within  a  crowded  street  he  stands, 
Greeting  with  silent  eyes^  the  bands 
Of  citizens  and  ladies  gay, 
Who  sweep,  like  shadows,  on  the  way. 
Past  homes  so  strongly  built  and  high, 
The  stony  form  of  castle  wall, 
The  city's  warder,  he  can  spy, 
And  faintly  hear  its  bugle  call. 
But  see  !     From  out  the  castle-gate 
Who  fares  with  retinue  of  state  ? 
The  gloomy  Morton ;  close  to-day 
Must  faithful  friends  beside  him  stay, 
For  Mary  rides  a  Queen  again, 
And  traitors  gather  in  her  train. 

Another  change  :  the  crowds  between, 
Who  clanks  along  with  careless  mien  ? 
'Tis  Cla/ver's  !  mark  the  murmur  roll, 
"  The  blood  of  saints  be  on  his  soul !  " 
He  passes.     Hear  the  bagpipes  fill 
The  breezes  with  their  whistles  shrill. 
Hark,  hark  !  the  proud,  exultant  strain  : 
"  The  King  shall  have  his  own  again  !  " 
To  Holyrood  the  Prince  they  bring : 
Dun-Edin,  out  your  banners  fling. 


THE    WIZARD  OF  SCOTLAND.  ji 

He  comes,  he  comes  with  form  of  grace, 
The  winsome  heir  of  Stewart's  race. 
See  close  attendant  at  his  side 
How  Bradwardine  and  Fergus  ride. 
The  watcher  starts,  —  then  falls  a  cloud, 
Enfolding  as  in  ghastly  shroud ; 
The  pageants,  like  the  mist,  are  gone  : 
The  lad  lies  on  the  hill  alone. 

Yet  in  his  life  one  mighty  hand 

Has  henceforth  bid  those  pageants  stand 

Linked  with  reality  to  bless, 

To  comfort  in  all  weariness. 

No  tainted  page  with  devilish  art 

Corrupts  the  conscience  or  the  heart ; 

The  world  he  treads  is  nobler  grown, 

He  lives  in  life  beyond  his  own. 

So  would  he  join  the  praise  which  tells 

Of  him  who  wrought  those  wondrous  spells, 

And  crown  him  now  with  glad  delight 

King  of  the  realm  of  Fancy  bright. 

Master  amid  the  me?i  of  mind  ; 
Then  turn  to  thank,  with  heart  aflame, 
The  God  from  whom  that  genius  came, 

For  sending  Scott  to  humankind. 


AU   REVOIR. 

As  where  the  quiet  waters  sleep 

The  distant  stars  draw  nigh, 

To  shine  within  that  mirror  deep 

As  't  were  a  lower  sky,  — 

So  in  this  quiet,  lonely  way, 

From  loving  eyes  apart. 

Thine  image  glows  with  fairest  ray 

Within  thy  lover's  heart. 

Yet  as  those  stars  beneath  the  stream 
Shine  coldly  to  the  view, 
And  lift  us  to  the  warmer  beam 
That  lights  the  welkin  blue,  — 
So  Memory's  image  mocks  desire, 
Which  soars  in  fancy  free 
Past  laggard  hours  to  the  bliss 
When  I  shall  gaze  on  thee. 

Creep  on,  ye  moments  !  treasured  love 
Knows  not  the  word  despond ; 


AU  RE  VOIR. 

O'er  time  and  space,  like  carrier- dove, 
It  grasps  the  rest  beyond. 
The  soul,  unwearied  in  its  flight, 
While  doubt  and  darkness  lower, 
Sees  from  afar  the  radiant  light 
Which  marks  the  meeting  hour. 


73 


BABY  SUE. 

Have  you  seen  our  Baby  Sue  ? 

With  dimpled  chin  and  eye  of  blue, 

Tiny  mouth  to  pout  for  kisses, 

Earnest  gaze,  which  nothing  misses 

In  the  narrow  world  around  her, 

Where  the  sights  and  sounds  confound  her, 

Cooing,  crying,  sober,  smiling, 

All  our  care  and  time  beguiling? 

Nothing  of  the  past  she  knows, 
Strangely  every  face  must  greet  her, 
Not  a  stream  of  memory  flows 
Past  the  little  lotus-eater ; 
For  the  present  only  caring, 
In  its  shade  and  sunshine  sharing, 
Clinging  to  the  love  that 's  dearest, 
Grasping  at  the  joy  that  's  nearest. 

What  your  value,  Baby  Sue  ? 
Who  could  guess  it  if  we  knew ; 


BABY  SUE. 

Who  could  give  it,  would  we  take  it ; 
By  what  calculation  make  it  ? 
Diamonds  flashing  far  their  brightness, 
Ocean  pearls  of  purest  whiteness, 
Gems  and  gold  from  mount  and  river,  ■ 
For  them  all  we  would  not  give  her. 

But  to  One  whose  love  bestows 
This  new  life  for  tender  keeping, 
From  whose  Hand  each  blessing  flows 
In  our  joy  and  in  our  weeping,  — 
At  His  call  we  hold  our  treasure, 
With  her  worth  past  earthly  measure, 
Praying  for  His  high  befriending 
Here  and  in  a  life  unending. 

Then  we  dread  not  future  years 
When  these  dainty  feet  may  weary, 
When  these  eyes  may  dim  with  tears 
As  the  world  grows  dull  and  dreary. 
So  we  sing  as  close  we  hold  her, 
God  still  closer  doth  enfold  her  ; 
Love  unfailing  hath  her  keeping,  — 
Hush  !  for  Baby  Sue  is  sleeping. 


75 


TO   MY   MOTHER. 

[On  her  entrance  upon  her  seventieth  year.] 

How  bright  the  days  when  buds  unfold 

Their  freshest  beauty  to  the  eye, 
When  groves  the  mating  songsters  hold, 
And  brooks  go  babbling  by. 

Yet  into  brighter  months  they  pass, 

As  summer  sheds  a  warmer  glow ; 
'Mid  flush  of  song  and  greener  grass 
The  streamlets  stronger  flow. 

But  fairest  of  them  all  the  days 

When  reapers  by  the  river  roam, 
And  sweet  though  autumn's  golden  haze 
Rings  out  the  Harvest  Home. 

So  loveliest  shines  on  us  who  meet 

A  life  long  past  the  charm  of  youth, 

Enriched,  by  toils  through  summer  heat, 

With  faith,  content,  and  truth. 


TO  MY  MOTHER.  77 

It  gleams  in  these  fruition  years 

Fairer  than  lives  the  world  has  known,  — 
Through  eyes  where,  often  dimmed  with  tears, 
Love's  constant  light  has  shone, 

Daughter  and  wife  and  mother,  wise 

For  every  service  on  thee  prest, 
To-day  thy  grateful  children  rise 
And  call  their  mother  blest ! 


University  Press  :  John  Wilson  &  Son,  Cambridge. 


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